Novel compliant wiper mechanism

Abstract

Conventional wiper mechanisms that are used in automotive vehicles comprise numerous linkages and joints. In this study, in order to obtain a simpler design, a novel compliant wiper mechanism is introduced. The wiper mechanism is essentially a partially compliant four-bar mechanism. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first compliant wiper mechanism in the literature. The wipers currently labeled "compliant" in the literature possess only a flexible wiper blade frame. However, these are still driven by conventional rigid body mechanisms. After introduction of the fundamental concept, a compliant wiper mechanism is designed for an L7e car. Finite element analysis is carried out for verifying analytical results and fatigue calculations are performed. Finally, a prototype is manufactured, and it is experimentally verified that a compliant wiper mechanism may have an infinite life.